MOTS-c is a synthetic peptide derived from mitochondrial DNA, making it unique among peptides studied in modern research. It has generated significant excitement in preclinical studies for its potential roles in regulating metabolism, energy homeostasis, and cellular stress responses. While not approved for therapeutic use, MOTS-c is emerging as an intriguing peptide for laboratory and academic investigation in fields related to aging, exercise, and metabolic health.

Area of Interest

Research into MOTS-c has focused on several promising areas:

• Metabolic Regulation: Studied for its ability to influence glucose and lipid metabolism in preclinical models.
• Exercise Physiology: Early studies suggest MOTS-c may mimic or enhance some benefits of exercise, making it of interest in endurance and muscle performance research.
• Aging Research: Investigated as a potential contributor to cellular resilience and longevity-related pathways.
• Stress Responses: Explored for its possible role in protecting cells against oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction.

Together, these findings highlight MOTS-c as an exciting frontier in mitochondrial peptide research, particularly in the context of energy and aging.

Technical Information

• Chemical Name: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c
• Synonyms: MOTSc, Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA type-c
• Molecular Formula: C₃₇₇H₆₄₀N₁₀₆O₁₂₆S
• Molecular Weight: ~2171 g/mol
• Sequence (Amino Acid): Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu
• CAS Number: 1465911-04-7
• Peptide Classification: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)

Storage Guidelines

• Lyophilized peptide is stable at room temperature for short periods.
• For long-term storage, keep at −20 °C or below.
• Once reconstituted, store at 2–8 °C. Effective use period may vary depending on the solution used.

Solubility

MOTS-c is soluble in sterile water or aqueous buffers depending on formulation and purity.

References

• Lee, C., Zeng, J., Drew, B. G., et al. (2015). “The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance.” Cell Metabolism, 21(3), 443–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009
• Lu, H., Tang, H., He, J., et al. (2019). “MOTS-c peptide regulates adipose homeostasis to prevent metabolic dysfunction.” Nature Communications, 10, 468. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-08393-2
• Shen, W., & He, J. (2020). “MOTS-c: a novel mitochondrial signaling peptide with implications for aging and metabolic regulation.” Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 605. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00605